Blog
Can you Build a Home with Hemp?
The Hidden Cost of Building in 2022 As the need for new housing in Ireland becomes more urgent by the day, we face a dilemma. On one side is a housing crisis, on the other is rapidly accelerating climate change. We must dramatically increase the rate of construction, while minimising greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, buildings…
The Importance of Adaptive Reuse in our Built Environment
Guest Post by Emma Walsh. Adaptive reuse, within architecture, is defined as a process in which buildings are adapted for new uses while retaining their historic fabric and features. This approach enhances both the space and experience of a structure while also reducing the carbon footprint associated with its construction. By reducing the amount of…
From our Highest Mountains to our Deepest Oceans: Our Addiction to Plastic is now “in our Blood”
Large quantities of plastic waste find their way into the environment every year and microplastics now contaminate the entirety of our planet, from the summit of Mount Everest to the deepest oceans. It is a rapidly increasing concern throughout the world and it is now considered one of the most urgent environmental and ecological issues,…
Monoculture Forests – Wasted Space, Wasted Opportunities
Faustmann’s formula dates from the 1840’s; it gives a value for forestry land and indicates the optimum time to cut forest to maximise profit. It considers the price of timber, the stock of timber in the forest at the present time and the rent paid for the land. However, this approach does not consider a…
A Word in Solidarity With Ukraine
ZWAI would like to express our solidarity with the people of Ukraine. We advocate for peace and prosperity, and our hearts are with the Ukrainian people during this difficult and traumatic time. We strongly condemn the Russian military aggression of Ukraine and express our unwavering support for Ukrainians, their sovereignty and their freedom. We would…
World Water Day 2022: “Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible” & the Problem of Septic Tanks
The United Nations is making “Groundwater” the primary theme of this year’s focus. Ground Water and Septic Tanks Ireland has almost 500,000 registered septic tanks and this accounts for about 30% of the national population. After the settlement of solids in septic tanks, the water which appears to be clear is then percolated into the…
Richard Auler – a sad loss
Richard Auler died on Sat last (13th Nov 2021) in an ICU ward at Szeged Hospital in Szeged, Hungary. He will be sadly missed. He had been on a visit with his partner Gyongi Karasz to her native city. Richard had undergone recent heart surgery in 2020 and was vulnerable to Covid19. After completing a…
“Greenwashing” and the Battle Against Fast Fashion
We are constantly saturated with buzzword terms such as ‘eco-friendly’, ‘sustainable’ and ‘green’. But what do these terms really mean? There is no legal significance to back these claims which is why so many brands can get away with using them and as consumers, it is our responsibility to question these marketing strategies to understand…
Could a Universal Charger in the EU Help Reduce Our Electronic Waste?
With ‘second-hand September’ having ended, it’s time to reflect on our consumption and how we can all reduce our waste to make the transition towards a more circular economy. Over-consumption exists everywhere and in all aspects of our lives; it is currently the way of the society we live in. Did you know that, according…
End Planned Obsolescence: Give Us The Right to Repair
Following our post yesterday, it’s important to remember that there is hope regarding the concerning issue of e-waste. Movements such as ‘Right to Repair’ advocate for consumers to push for progressive change around this topic. Founded in 2019, Right to Repair are affiliated with over 40 organisations such as ECOS and the EEB and have…
CEIGS Grants…. Worth the Effort?
CEIGS ANALYSIS and THOUGHTS. If you’re considering applying for funding from the Government’s newly minted CEIGS scheme then read on. If you’re wondering what it’s about, just read the first few paragraphs. Let’s start with an extract from the recent Government announcement: ‘ …… the Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS) will support projects and…
Material Revolution – Circular Style
Sometimes you don’t have to look too far to discover circular heroes. Such is the case with The ZeroWaster Design studio and its inspirational owner, Sarah O’Neill. She’s the Lead Designer at The Zero Waster circular fashion studio, located on Cork’s southern coast. Sarah is a very talented, creative and experienced Sustainable, Ethical Fashion designer.…
